Public Relations Emphasis

Public
relations is a challenging, competitive career. It demands a high degree of
communication expertise and a variety of skills. Our students are taught the
skills they need and are provided an explanation of the complexity and rigor
necessary to be good public relations professionals.

Career Opportunities in Public Relations

The U.S.
Department of Labor reports that the number of public relations jobs will
increase faster than the average for all occupations well into the 21st
century. The need is growing due to changes in the health, policy, technology,
travel and environmental arenas. With
the growing opportunity for public relations jobs in all segments of society,
graduates find positions in: non-profit organizations, media sales,
governmental agencies, the service industry (hospitals, chambers of commerce),
and corporate America. The wide range of career opportunities provides
graduates with flexibility in locating employment throughout the country in a
variety of interesting occupations.

Corporate Spokespersons

Account Coordinators

Social Media Specialists

Press Secretaries

Copy Writers

Public Affairs Specialists

Lobbyists

Account Supervisors

Communication Coordinators

Public Information Officers

Editors

Marketing Managers

Coursework

Students will learn skills applied in
both creative and business aspects of the public relations profession. Public
relations students learn to create messages for magazines, newspapers,
television, radio, and web-based outlets. Students take courses in public
relations writing, integrated communication design and layout, broadcast
production, strategic planning, media analysis, campaign development as well as
communication courses in persuasion theory, public speaking and research
procedures. In addition students learn
about the history of public relations, and the social and ethical implications
of issues which affect society.

Services & Resources

Public relations students in the
Department of Communication have access to the Communication Research Lab (CRL)
which offers a wide range of software and services for supporting both
qualitative and quantitative undergraduate research. In the past public relations students have
investigated a wide range of topics including corporate branding, stakeholder
relations, strategic planning and employee relations. If you have a research
project and would like more information on the CRL services available contact commlab@pittstate.edu.

Internships

Although not required coursework, public
relations students should acquire practical experience in the field through one
or more internships prior to graduation. For information on earning academic
credit for an internship, click here. To learn more about internship
opportunities, click here.

Professional & Student Organizations

Public Relations Society of America
gives students the opportunity to become involved in the foremost public
relations professional association in the country. Public Relations students attend conferences
and submit undergraduate research projects for presentation and publication.
For more information on submitting your creative work contact your department
advisor.